A unanimous decision loss two years ago was the last thing ‘Shotgun’ Shane Andreesen went through in his boxing career. Two years later, he’s looking to put his career back on track to go along with everything else he’s endured.
Andreesen, who will be looking to celebrate his 31st birthday on July 19 with a victory the night before in the ring, hasn’t been in action since losing his chance at the Canadian heavyweight title.
It’s been a climb to get back in shape. After the loss, the cabinet making company he worked for lost its business to a fire. Andreesen then started his own company, Arrowsmith Kitchens and Closets, hiring the co-workers who lost their jobs in the fire.
“It was pretty brutal, after the last fight, for my fitness,” Andreesen said. “Everything that happened with the fire and starting up my own company after that, I haven’t really had time for this. Everything has started to settle down now, so it’s pretty good timing the way that all this has come together.”
He fought in Parksville once as an amateur, but since turning pro in 2006 and fighting across North America, he now has a rare chance to step in the ring in his backyard (July 18 at Port Theatre in Nanaimo)and to be part of a card featuring his two stable mates.
“We’re like a family, it’s great. Something I’ve always wanted to do was fight on the undercard with Mark on it,” Andreesen said. “We’ve been doing this for years and it’s a lineage of Rich (LeStage’s) training. He’s coached us all and he’s been a staple in our lives. He’s kept us grounded, working hard and really instilled the hard work and discipline for us. It’s going to be a reunion for us, for sure.”
Back when Jim’s Gym was known as Fitness Connection, Andreesen, as a high school student, would get dropped off as close as he could by friends so he could get in and get in shape. Coming back around to training at Jim’s Gym has brought him full circle.
“Thinking back on it, it’s pretty cool to be back here, training and working on things,” he said. “Jim has been great for us, letting us come in here and work on our stuff like this. He’s been real open and welcoming to us and it’s been a huge help.”
Andreesen is selling T-shirts with all proceeds going to The Foundation for Youth Sports in Need of Help, put together by his friend and Paralympic medalist Trevor Hirschfield and the Baby Avis Fund, which will go to supporting a family who’s son was born with a congenital heart defect.
